SQL Server CEILING() Function

 The CEILING() function in SQL Server is used to return the smallest integer greater than or equal to a given numeric expression. It effectively rounds a number up to the nearest integer, regardless of whether the number is already an integer.

Syntax:

CEILING(numeric_expression)

• numeric_expression: The number to round up. It can be a column, variable, or any numeric value.

Example Use Cases:

Example 1: Rounding a positive number

SELECT CEILING(4.2) AS Result;
-- Output: 5

Example 2: Rounding a negative number

SELECT CEILING(-4.7) AS Result;
-- Output: -4

Example 3: Using CEILING with a column

If you have a table named Sales with a column Price:

SELECT Price, CEILING(Price) AS RoundedPrice
FROM Sales;

This query will display the original price along with its ceiling value.

Example 4: CEILING with division

SELECT CEILING(10.0 / 3) AS Result;
-- Output: 4

Key Points:

• It always rounds up, even for negative numbers.
• If the input is already an integer, it remains unchanged.
• Can be used in financial, mathematical, or statistical queries where rounding up is needed.